New Hamilton West Candidate Condemns Posie Parker

By Benji Allen – Wintec – Te Pūkenga journalism student

The Green Party (Kirikiriroa-Hamilton branch) has voted in Benjamin Doyle as their candidate for the Hamilton West constituency in this year’s general election.

National Party member, Tama Potaka, has held Hamilton West since the by-election in 2022. It was previously held by Labour’s Gaurav Sharma. 

Go Eco (Waikato Environment Centre) manager, Jo Wrigley, was the last Green Party member selected to run for Hamilton West at the 2017 general election.

Doyle is a Kaupapa Māori researcher and facilitator at Waikato University. They previously worked in Kirikiriroa as Head of Māori at Melville High, and Head of Social Sciences at Rototuna Senior High School before deciding on a move into politics. 

They have worked with rangatahi Māori, artists, and takatāpui & LGBTQIA+ people in Kirikiriroa and across the country to build capacity and strengthen connections.

Doyle, who identifies as Ngāpuhi/Pākehā and uses the pronouns they/he/ia, has a strong record of community organising and advocating for social and environmental justice. 

When asked about Posie Parker’s ‘Let Women Speak’ tour Doyle said “Posie Parker should not be allowed into Aotearoa. In letting her enter, the minister has chosen to allow hateful anti-trans rhetoric into Aotearoa. That is unacceptable.”

Doyle suggests Posie Parker’s “neo-nazi and white supremist” followers, who publicly marched with Parker’s support during her event in Melbourne, are reason enough to deny Parker’s entry.

“We cannot permit this threat to public safety and order.” Doyle concluded on the growing concern for Parker’s arrival and the impact on communities in Aotearoa.

“Posie Parker should not be allowed into Aotearoa. In letting her enter, the minister has chosen to allow hateful anti-trans rhetoric into Aotearoa. That is unacceptable.”

– Doyle

Uganda’s parliament has just passed one of the world’s most anti-gay laws. The law criminalises individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ with up to lifelong sentences for law-breakers. 

“The news from Uganda is absolutely devastating and is a stark reminder that we are not free until everybody’s free.” Doyle said.

“Like Aotearoa, Uganda experienced colonisation in ways that totally disrupted and undermined Indigenous ways of life. The consequences must be considered when making sense of such an inhumane and deplorable set of legislation.”

“Ultimately, the rights of LGBTQIA+ people are fundamental human rights, and breaches of those rights need to be condemned.” Doyle concluded.

“The news from Uganda is absolutely devastating and is a stark reminder that we are not free until everybody’s free.”

– Doyle

Doyle believes that now is the time to take action to address climate change, social inequality, and the threats facing New Zealand’s native plants and animals. 

“We need leaders who are committed to making meaningful change and who understand the urgency of the challenges we face” Doyle said.

Doyle is committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to ensuring that all people in Aotearoa are treated equitably and with dignity and respect.

A known green-thumb Doyle lives in Hamilton Kirikiriroa with their family and avidly collects local art. 

“I am excited and honoured to have the opportunity to run for office and to represent the Green Party’s vision for bold climate and social action.”

Doyle says he is ready to “roll up my sleeves and get to work on behalf of the people of Hamilton West and all New Zealanders who want a better, more sustainable future.”